ALL POSTS TAGGED "Christmas decorations"

Hollies are my favorite traditional holiday plants. Nothing feels like Christmas more than bright red holly berries and green leaves contrasted against a blanket of snow. And if you love the look of classic holiday decor, then holly branches are the perfect touch to a mantel or tablescape. (You can even embellish dining chairs with fresh holly sprigs.)

I. Love. Plaid. It brings a classic holiday touch to modern spaces and instantly warms up any space. And let’s face it, as much as we tried to forget about plaid years ago, it’s a cold-weather staple that will truly never go out of style.

On white oven-proof plates, use assorted colors of food- and dishwasher-safe ceramic paint or paint pens to draw a Christmasy scene. Let dry overnight, then bake according to paint directions and place by the tree. Don’t forget the homemade cookies!

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

During the holidays we all like to make the table a little bit fancier. (Did you catch Liz’s table settings post from yesterday?) Eye-catching table runners, oversized chargers and one-of-a-kind place cards are easy ways to dress up your everyday table. The star of the show, however, will most certainly be the centerpiece. And you don’t always have to choose a pricey floral arrangement; opt for something less expensive and handmade using items that coordinate with your theme.

I love this metallic-glam table setup. Use spray paint to transform a basic vase or candleholder into a festive centerpiece fit for winter blooms. Mix metallic accents of silver and gold with rustic wood tones and pinecones for a warm holiday look.

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

By now, you’ve probably received a few Christmas cards, so you might be willing to part with a few of last year’s greetings. Instead of chucking them into the recycling bin, upcycle them into holiday-perfect wine charms for your Christmas party.

Find an area with lots of color or an attractive design element, then cut a small hole in the middle for the glasses’ stem and a slit so guests can easily slide the markers on and off. Vary the colors and patterns so each partygoer can easily identify his or her glass. Or, turn those cards into a Christmas tree garland instead.

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

By now, you’ve probably received a few Christmas cards, so you might be willing to part with a few of last year’s greetings. Instead of chucking them into the recycling bin, upcycle them into holiday-perfect wine charms for your Christmas party.

Find an area with lots of color or an attractive design element, then cut a small hole in the middle for the glasses’ stem and a slit so guests can easily slide the markers on and off. Vary the colors and patterns so each partygoer can easily identify his or her glass. Or, turn those cards into a Christmas tree garland instead.

It’s that time of year again. Families are welcoming one of Santa’s very own elves, known collectively as The Elf on the Shelf, into their home to help keep an eye on who is being naughty and nice. These elves have special Christmas magic that helps them keep an eye on the house by day and then fly back to the North Pole to report to Santa every night. The elves are adopted into each family and given a unique name – from Fufu and Scout to Bones, Juliet, Sam and Mr. Peepers.

While these elves are cute as can be, they also have a mischievous side. They have been known to turn milk green, draw mustaches on pictures, and even swing from the ceiling fan. But, come Christmas Eve, the elves head back to the North Pole, their job for the year done.

HGTV decided to join in on the fun and adopt our own Elf on the Shelf. Follow HGTV on Instagram @HGTV to see the adventures that our elf gets into during the first 12 Days of Christmas. Keep track of the elf and on the final day, Wednesday December 12, we’ll ask a question about our elf here on the blog (ex: Where was the elf on Day 6?). Answer the question on the blog and one random winner will win the HGTV Elf and a $100 American Express Gift Card.

Do you have an Elf on the Shelf watching over your house? Share their adventures with us on Instagram using #HGTVelf

Your Christmas tree is decorated with fabulous trimmings, right? So, it’s time to add holiday cheer to the rest of your home. Have you made that annual trek to the attic or basement, yet? All of my year-round decorations are on a month-long vacation in the storage closet, while glittery (and messy) decor has taken their place in preparation for Santa’s big arrival. Whether you enjoy subtle hints of the holidays or create a replica of the North Pole in your living room, here’s just the inspiration you need to add that festive feeling to your home both inside and out.

In the spirit of the day, I thought I’d honor some of those hardworking holiday decorators over at Rate My Space. Below are a few of my favorite shots to get you in the mood. Be sure to head over there in a spare moment (if you can grab one) to browse, share and vote for more.

Nonaterry transformed her living room into a vision of sparkling white – all from the odds and ends she “shopped” from her basement and attic (who says you need to buy new stuff every year?). The battery-powered LED lights give the mantel and glass coffee table a modern glow to bounce off the classic glitz.

A few oversized glass vases, brimming over with sparkly Christmas balls, make a simple but dramatic statement on Jefferylkemp‘s coffee table display.

We all know red and green, but red, white and black? In this case it works. Tamgypsy based her tablescape around Frosty’s top hat and picked up inexpensive dishware or used what she already had. The peppermint swirl placemats add nice texture.

Did you go classic or get creative this year? Go add your photos to Rate My Space and tell us about them below.